Responsibilities : • Collaborate with team members to bring up Linux kernel and userspace on new ... Required : • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related ...
Responsibilities : • Collaborate with team members to bring up Linux kernel and userspace on new ... Required : • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related ...
#Senior Software Engineer - Linux
San Diego, CA · On-site
$111K - $166K/yr
Job Area Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering General Summary This position ... Proven ability to debug complex Linux systems across kernel and userspace. * Ability to quickly ...
#Senior Software Engineer - Linux
San Diego, CA · On-site
$111K - $166K/yr
Job Area Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering General Summary This position ... Proven ability to debug complex Linux systems across kernel and userspace. * Ability to quickly ...
Software Engineer
Del Rey, CA · On-site
Minimum 2 years of professional experience developing, building, and debugging Linux kernel modules ... Proficient in systems level C programming and familiar with kernel coding style and static analysis ...
Software Engineer
Del Rey, CA · On-site
Minimum 2 years of professional experience developing, building, and debugging Linux kernel modules ... Proficient in systems level C programming and familiar with kernel coding style and static analysis ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
C programming Linux kernel development HW board bring up Linux build tools Desired Skills UEFI Secure boot Linux administration Containers Additional Information All your information will be kept ...
C programming Linux kernel development HW board bring up Linux build tools Desired Skills UEFI Secure boot Linux administration Containers Additional Information All your information will be kept ...
Kernel Developer (eBPF)
$40 - $60/hr
Linux kernel development experience with emphasis on the network stack and its interfaces is highly desirable e.g. * Programming experience at the sockets layer, protocol layer, device layer and ...
Kernel Developer (eBPF)
$40 - $60/hr
Linux kernel development experience with emphasis on the network stack and its interfaces is highly desirable e.g. * Programming experience at the sockets layer, protocol layer, device layer and ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Systems Engineer- Linux/ Yocto This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you ... You'll work across the Linux kernel, OS infrastructure, and user-space software on x86 and ARM ...
Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer information
See salary details
$30K - $38K
2% of jobs
$38K - $46K
10% of jobs
$51.3K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$46K - $54K
20% of jobs
$54K - $62K
13% of jobs
The median wage is $64K / yr.
$62K - $70K
21% of jobs
$75.2K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$70K - $78K
14% of jobs
$78K - $86K
7% of jobs
$86K - $94K
5% of jobs
$94K - $102K
3% of jobs
$102K - $110K
2% of jobs
$110K - $118K
2% of jobs
$30K
$69.4K
$118K
How much do entry level linux kernel engineer jobs pay per year?
As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level linux kernel engineer in the United States is $69,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What does an entry level Linux kernel engineer do?
An Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer assists in developing, maintaining, and debugging the Linux kernel, which is the core part of the Linux operating system. They typically work on tasks such as fixing bugs, implementing new features, and ensuring hardware compatibility. This role often involves writing code in C, understanding kernel modules, and collaborating with more experienced engineers to learn industry best practices. Entry level engineers may also contribute to open-source projects and review documentation to expand their knowledge of operating system internals.
What are some common challenges faced by entry level Linux kernel engineers during their first year on the job?
Entry level Linux Kernel Engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding the complexity of kernel codebases, adhering to strict coding standards, and navigating the open-source community’s workflow for submitting patches. Collaborating with experienced engineers and participating in code reviews can be overwhelming at first, but these experiences are crucial for skill development. Additionally, balancing bug fixes with learning new subsystems and tools is typical, so time management and a willingness to ask questions are important for success.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level Linux kernel engineer, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer, you need a solid understanding of C programming, operating systems concepts, and computer architecture, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with Linux kernel development tools, Git version control, and debugging utilities like GDB is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you quickly diagnose issues and collaborate with experienced engineers. These skills are essential for contributing to complex kernel projects, ensuring code quality, and efficiently resolving system-level challenges.
Are entry level Linux kernel engineers in demand?
Entry level Linux kernel engineers are in demand due to the widespread use of Linux in servers, cloud infrastructure, and embedded systems. Skills in C programming, kernel development, and familiarity with tools like Git and Linux kernel modules increase employability in this field.
More about Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer jobs?
Cities with the most Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs?
The most popular types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer jobs?
States with the most job openings for Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer jobs?
For Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
#Senior Software Engineer - Linux
San Diego, CA • On-site
Qualcomm
• Technology, Communication and Media • 10K+ employees10,000+ employees
Full-time
Re-posted 19 days ago
Qualcomm rating
8.8
Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
Job description
Job Summary:
Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc. is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to drive Linux innovation for their next-generation server-class CPUs. The role involves building and optimizing Linux distribution support and infrastructure, collaborating with internal developers, and ensuring upstream readiness for major data center and enterprise environments.
Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with team members to bring up Linux kernel and userspace on new server-class hardware, ensuring core functionality and stability.
• Implement and maintain build, packaging, and test workflows within the team’s CI/CD infrastructure.
• Assist in developing internal Linux distribution integration
• Debug and triage issues related to build failures, packaging, and platform bring-up.
• Work with hardware and firmware engineers to resolve platform-specific issues (e.g., bootloader, ACPI, secure boot).
• Support upstream readiness efforts by testing and validating changes needed for major Linux distributions (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu).
• Contribute patches and collaborate with upstream communities under guidance from senior team members.
• Document processes and share knowledge to enable other internal developers.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• OR Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.
• 2+ years of academic or work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred:
• Master’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
• Strong background in computer science fundamentals and software engineering principles.
• Proficiency in Bash and Python for automation and tooling, working knowledge of C/C++
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Mature interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate across diverse teams.
• Proven ability to debug complex Linux systems across kernel and userspace.
• Ability to quickly learn new tools and workflows in a fast-evolving environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in non-linear, dynamic environments.
• Proficiency with Git and experience in GitHub-based workflows (or similar), including integration with modern CI/CD systems for open-source or large-scale projects.
• Deep experience with enterprise Linux distributions (e.g., RHEL/Fedora, Ubuntu/Debian) and build frameworks, including packaging, update mechanisms, and upstream integration, and data center deployment practices.
• Familiarity with Linux packaging systems (Debian, RPM) and CI/CD automation tools (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins).
• Working knowledge of Linux kernel configuration and platform enablement (e.g., ACPI, UEFI, kconfig).
• Experience contributing to upstream Linux kernel or userspace projects is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with virtualization, containerization, and orchestration tools (QEMU, KVM, Docker, Kubernetes) is desirable.
Company:
Qualcomm designs wireless technologies and semiconductors that power connectivity, communication, and smart devices. Founded in 1985, the company is headquartered in San Diego, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.
Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc. is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to drive Linux innovation for their next-generation server-class CPUs. The role involves building and optimizing Linux distribution support and infrastructure, collaborating with internal developers, and ensuring upstream readiness for major data center and enterprise environments.
Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with team members to bring up Linux kernel and userspace on new server-class hardware, ensuring core functionality and stability.
• Implement and maintain build, packaging, and test workflows within the team’s CI/CD infrastructure.
• Assist in developing internal Linux distribution integration
• Debug and triage issues related to build failures, packaging, and platform bring-up.
• Work with hardware and firmware engineers to resolve platform-specific issues (e.g., bootloader, ACPI, secure boot).
• Support upstream readiness efforts by testing and validating changes needed for major Linux distributions (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu).
• Contribute patches and collaborate with upstream communities under guidance from senior team members.
• Document processes and share knowledge to enable other internal developers.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• OR Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.
• 2+ years of academic or work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred:
• Master’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
• Strong background in computer science fundamentals and software engineering principles.
• Proficiency in Bash and Python for automation and tooling, working knowledge of C/C++
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Mature interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate across diverse teams.
• Proven ability to debug complex Linux systems across kernel and userspace.
• Ability to quickly learn new tools and workflows in a fast-evolving environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in non-linear, dynamic environments.
• Proficiency with Git and experience in GitHub-based workflows (or similar), including integration with modern CI/CD systems for open-source or large-scale projects.
• Deep experience with enterprise Linux distributions (e.g., RHEL/Fedora, Ubuntu/Debian) and build frameworks, including packaging, update mechanisms, and upstream integration, and data center deployment practices.
• Familiarity with Linux packaging systems (Debian, RPM) and CI/CD automation tools (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins).
• Working knowledge of Linux kernel configuration and platform enablement (e.g., ACPI, UEFI, kconfig).
• Experience contributing to upstream Linux kernel or userspace projects is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with virtualization, containerization, and orchestration tools (QEMU, KVM, Docker, Kubernetes) is desirable.
Company:
Qualcomm designs wireless technologies and semiconductors that power connectivity, communication, and smart devices. Founded in 1985, the company is headquartered in San Diego, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.
About Qualcomm
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.
Industry
Technology, communication and media
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
San Diego, CA, US
Year founded
1985